Eastern Poison Ivy
Toxicodendron radicans
Also listed as Rhus radicans
Also known as Poison Ivy, Climbing Poison Ivy, Central Poison-ivy
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous woody vine native to eastern North America, characterized by three-leaflet compound leaves that turn vivid red in fall. All parts of the plant contain urushiol oil and cause severe skin irritation upon contact.
Why grow it
Eastern poison ivy establishes quickly in poor soils and disturbed areas where many ornamental vines struggle, making it useful for slope stabilization and erosion control in native plant restoration. Its dense growth habit and fall color can screen undesirable views efficiently. However, most permaculture contexts will find native alternatives like Virginia creeper or native grape species offer similar coverage benefits without the handling restrictions.
Watch out for
Poison ivy can spread aggressively through rhizomes and seeds, potentially overtaking nearby plantings if not managed. The plant's vining habit may require regular pruning to prevent it from overwhelming adjacent vegetation. Removal requires careful disposal methods, as burning the plant releases urushiol oil into the air, creating a respiratory hazard. For those managing this species intentionally, wear protective clothing and gloves during all handling and pruning work.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous woody vine native to eastern North America, characterized by three-leaflet compound leaves that turn vivid red in fall. All parts of the plant contain urushiol oil and cause severe skin irritation upon contact.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Eastern Poison Ivy grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Eastern poison ivy establishes quickly in poor soils and disturbed areas where many ornamental vines struggle, making it useful for slope stabilization and erosion control in native plant restoration. Its dense growth habit and fall color can screen undesirable views efficiently. However, most permaculture contexts will find native alternatives like Virginia creeper or native grape species offer similar coverage benefits without the handling restrictions.
Watch out for
Poison ivy can spread aggressively through rhizomes and seeds, potentially overtaking nearby plantings if not managed. The plant's vining habit may require regular pruning to prevent it from overwhelming adjacent vegetation. Removal requires careful disposal methods, as burning the plant releases urushiol oil into the air, creating a respiratory hazard. For those managing this species intentionally, wear protective clothing and gloves during all handling and pruning work.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar climbers you might consider:
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